Cloud services, which are undeniably increasing in popularity, offer a variety of business benefits and technical challenges, writes Jim Young. They also highlight an important departure from the more classical IT models.

With the ever-increasing number of mobile devices that have constant Internet connectivity, the cloud has become one of the best ways that can help businesses boost efficiency and collaboration within their organisations.  

In CommScope’s 2013 Global Enterprise Survey, IT managers listed cloud computing as one of the top game changers because cloud-based applications allow businesses to build new operational models that directly reduce capital costs and increase operational agility. Traditionally, only large companies could afford to invest in complex customer relationship management and other process automation tools. These companies often struggle to roll out software on time and then are somewhat stuck with the legacy of these solutions – this is not always a good thing. Smaller organisations typically are unable to project the same professional image their larger competitors could finance. Perhaps this paradigm is now being challenged. Now smaller organisations can use the same applications large firms use with little up front development or capital expense. Even large firms can choose what software to develop and or implement as a service.

As Software as a Service (SaaS) becomes more popular, many organizations can leverage common infrastructures hosted in cloud data centres. They can focus on their core mission, which most often has nothing to do with developing custom IT applications and process tools. Businesses can leapfrog the traditional barriers to IT tools that would have presented significant financial obstacles to their growth and success. Executing an IT business strategy has now become faster, easier and less capital intensive. This should favor newly minted startups or emerging economies.

Also happening at the same time, large companies are investigating the advantage of “pay-as-you-go” services. Scaling IT investment to match average load, as opposed to peak load, can mean a better overall return on IT investment. While it may not make financial sense to completely outsource all IT operations to cloud-based computing, it can certainly provide an attractive mix and match strategy.

Cloud computing has these advantages but it is important to consider the details of how these services are maintained and accessed.  Issues of security, reliability and compliance are top of the list when considering cloud deployment. The infrastructure connecting the service providers and their clients will now be a critical link. Customers are increasingly looking to implement a solid data infrastructure over which they will deliver cloud-based services. The fact that resources are now further away from the users amplifies the need for error-free transmission systems that squeeze value from costly wide area networks. This will be an advantage for customers deploying cloud services in the future. CommScope continues to be focused on building these networks.

Cloud applications and architectures are quite different to those typically designed for the enterprise. The network models that have served us well in the past may need to be revisited. We are now seeing a growing interest in Software Defined Networking (SDN). SDN is looking to rework the traditional IP-based networks to add customized functions appropriate to the applications they are running.

With this, the next questions that come to mind are: Could SDN be the next big thing in networking since the introduction of the Internet Protocol? Perhaps we are now seeing the replacement for IP being minted. What do you see as the future of cloud computing for your enterprise?

As Director – Data Centres for the CommScope Enterprise Solutions Division in Asia Pacific, James Young provides leadership to a broad based technical team providing engineering and technical support for SYSTIMAX® network infrastructure solutions in the region. The teams’ responsibilities include pre- and post-sales activities, BusinessPartner training and auditing of SYSTIMAX installations in support of the warranty program.

James has been involved in sales, marketing and operational roles for communication solutions working with Tyco Electronics/AMP, Anixter, Canadian Pacific and TTS in Canada. James has gained extensive experience in the sale of OEM products, network solutions and value-added services through direct and indirect channel sales environments. His sales experience includes electronic transmission components, telephony systems, network systems, LAN infrastructure products and fibre transmission system products.

Prior to joining CommScope in Canada, he was responsible for the promotion of network infrastructure products for Tyco Electronics in Eastern Canada. James has also garnered substantial experience in OEM and Channel marketing as well as network operations as Assistant Director of CP’s computers and communications group. James graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Ontario and is a Registered Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD).

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